Jan Egeland, who is in Gaza to evaluate the destruction caused by Israel’s offensive on Palestinians, claims that the Israeli use of force is “disproportionate”. It has been reported that he was shocked by the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including Gaza’s power plant. Not to mention that more than 100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza since June.
While Israeli force is justifying their act by arguing that the offensive’s goal is to find the abducted Israeli soldier, Mr. Egeland said that the bombing of the power plant would affect schools and hospitals.
"This is very clear, a disproportionate use [of power]," Mr Egeland told reporters.
"Civilian infrastructure is protected. The law is very clear. You cannot have any interpretation in any other way."
Israel launched its offensive a month ago after the abduction of an Israeli soldier and the killing of two others by Palestinian resistance fighters. More than 100 civilians have been killed in this offence, many others injured and left homeless.
Residential buildings and a power plant have been shelled. Human rights group say electricity shortages and blockages are threatening medical services and causing businesses to close.
Israel has refused international calls for restraint, but UN resolution urges Israel to stop the offensive. This demand has been vetoed by the US at the Security Council earlier this month, according to reports.
Exiled Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal insists on the exchange of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails for the abducted Israeli soldier. However, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has refused to engaged into negotiation with the Hamas-led Palestinian government.
